Eyewear cleaning device

Abstract

An eyewear cleaning device and method provides convenient cleaning of various types of eyewear, such as glasses and sunglasses. The eyewear cleaning device comprises a housing with a retractable cord, at the end of which is attached a soft, nonabrasive cloth for cleaning eyewear lenses. A cleaning fluid dispenser may be included with or attached to the housing. The device can be attached to clothing or other items in proximity to the user of the device, such as a dashboard, sports bag or backpack.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present U.S. patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 284,807 filed on Apr. 19, 2001, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the cleaning of eyewear and more particularly to an improved, readily accessible device for the cleaning of eyewear such as glasses, sunglasses, ski goggles and the like.[0003]Sunglasses are quite popular in today's society. They are worn for many reasons, including vision correction, style, general eye protection, sun protection and reduction in glare while driving or playing sports. A major problem that is encountered by persons who wear sunglasses is the fact that they become dirty or smudged and therefore require cleaning.[0004]Many ways of cleaning sunglasses and other eyewear are known, but most methods are problematic for one reason or other. For instance, one way to clean sungla...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]In another embodiment, a holding mechanism is provided for locking or retaining the retractable cord in an extended position to allow cleaning of the eyewear without having to maintain tension by continuing to apply force to the retractable cord.

Problems solved by technology

A major problem that is encountered by persons who wear sunglasses is the fact that they become dirty or smudged and therefore require cleaning.

Many ways of cleaning sunglasses and other eyewear are known, but most methods are problematic for one reason or other.

Of course, this is a problem if you are not near a sink or a water supply, do not have soap or other cleaner, and do not have a towel or cloth to dry off the glasses.

Moreover, for those who wear sunglasses and eyewear when engaged in outdoor activities, finding a sink or water to clean one's eyewear may be difficult.

While such cleaning kits work well to clean sunglasses and the like, other problems are created.

Oftentimes, one may not have a pocket or be able to carry a pocketbook to hold these items.

Moreover, one can easily lose the small bottle and / or cloth if they are left behind somewhere or fall out of a pocket or pocketbook.

For example, when skiing or snowboarding, a skier's or snowboarder's goggles can become fogged or dirty from the snow and dirt.

If the goggles are not readily cleaned, it reduces the wearer's ability to see the ski slopes and could lead to a dangerous situation.

This can be a problem, however, if the shirt is abrasive or of a material that does not readily clean the lenses.

The dirt on the sunglasses can also cause problems by staining the shirt or other article of clothing being used to clean the sunglasses.

Images